Challenge Physical Therapy

Pelvis out of alignment: Why is this important?

Why does this cause back pain?

The pelvis being out of alignment is the underlying cause of most neck and back pain. Having a level, stable pelvis with normal alignment is key for avoiding back and neck pain as well as pain in related areas like sciatica and symptoms in the arms and hands. The pelvis is the foundation of the spine and the center of gravity of the body. When body workers refer to “the core” they are really referring to the pelvis.

Since the pelvis is the foundation of the spine it acts much like the foundation of other structures. For example, the foundation of a house. A pelvis that is out of alignment moves into an oblique, tipped position. When this foundation is tipped, it can cause the walls and ceiling to side bend, twist and crack. This is what happens to your spine when it is forced to compensate for a tipped, misaligned pelvis.

This misaligned pelvis causes the spine to side bend and rotate into a dysfunctional position causing joint dysfunction throughout the spine. Some professionals may refer to these dysfunctional joint positions as subluxations. This in turn causes the axis of motion to deviate. The “axis of motion” within the spine needs to be normal to be pain-free and healthy. You can think of the axis of motion much like the axle of an automobile.

When this axle is bent and the tires (much like the discs of the spine) are out of alignment it causes the tires to wear out much faster than normal and they may even rupture or blow out.

This is exactly what happens in the spine when it’s foundation is tipped and the axle is bent. The walls and ceiling crumble and the tires wear out fast. The unstable, misaligned pelvis is usually the underlying cause of back pain, herniated discs, increased degeneration like degenerative joint and disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica, osteoarthritis causing stenosis, and other conditions. The misaligned pelvis can also cause pain and dysfunctions in the neck which can also radiate into the shoulders and contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome and other upper and lower extremity problems.

What usually causes the pelvis to got out of alignment in the first place? It usually starts with simple muscle imbalance. Our bodies have not evolved as fast as technology has and we are not supposed to be as sedentary as we are. Sitting is one of the most unhealthy positions for our spines. Prolonged sitting and little activity is enough to cause the muscle imbalance that causes the misaligned pelvis and the resulting chain like effect into spinal pain and dysfunction.

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5 Comments

Lexi
February 12, 2014 at 9:32 pm

Hi, I’ve had this for years now and I’m in the process of making an appointment to see a physiotherapist. I’m training for selection and Basic Training in the military, so what kind of exercises should I avoid?

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My husband and I were in an auto accident on Oct 4th and our vehicle was hit from behind, spun us around and then flipped our vehicle onto my side. My window shattered and luckily the air bag went off because as we slid down the interstate, it was the thing that saved my face from being ripped off as we slid along the pavement.

We all walked away from the accident but are still getting chiropractic care 3 months later. We just ordered your dvd in hopes that it will help me with my lower back issues. I am going to try your dvd before they schedule me for physical therapy. I have high hopes that it will be the answer to my low back pain I am experiencing.

I am enjoying all of your videos and I am thankful that you post all of this info to help others.